Residents and businesses throughout the Okanagan region are being warned of fraud.
RCMP in Vernon, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Princeton and Kelowna have been investigating a case of fraud involving a woman calling herself “Shana Ross.”
The suspect has been allegedly using fraudulent Royal Bank money orders to make purchases.
“The RCMP are warning private sellers to have their financial institutions verify money orders,” said Gord Molendyk, Vernon RCMP spokesperson.
In one case, an all-terrain vehicle was purchased in Westwold.
It’s not known how the suspect was able to access bank orders.
It’s believed the name the suspect is using was obtained through identity fraud.
“The real victim is being victimized again,” said Molendyk, adding that fraud artists are always looking for ways to obtain personal information for crime.
“People have to be careful about giving information out.”
The suspect is described as a white woman, in her mid-30s, 5 feet tall and about 150 pounds. She has long brown hair.
If anyone has information on this crime, they are asked to call their local RCMP detachment.
Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star